Hi.

Jul 5 Jersey City Food and Drink Guide

Jersey City, in our (very humble) opinion, is the tri-state area's best kept secret. Ten minutes from lower Manhattan, it boasts amazing NYC skyline views and is chock full of great bars and restaurants on every corner. Since it is very much so "up and coming" (think Brooklyn circa 15 years ago), there are new spots opening up every week.

One cool, unique thing about JC is that most of our favorite restaurants, coffee bars, and bakeries are opening up second locations within Jersey City, Hoboken, Manhattan, and Brooklyn - it has been such a blast exploring around all the different neighborhoods and stumbling upon the duplicates of our favorite spots. We've rounded up a list of our favorite places to eat and drink in JC - hope you enjoy!

For breakfast, coffee, & treats

9 Bar is a quaint little coffee shop right around the corner from the Fitz Carlton (although they recently opened up another location in a new residential building by the waterfront). They have great iced lattes (addicted) and quiche by the slice. We love their "No Wifi" policy and how they encourage visitors to talk to one another!

The best French bakery in town. Great coffee, authentic french treats and a flourless chocolate cake that will keep you coming back for more (and more). We're thrilled they just opened another location!

We may or may not have tried to replicate Lackawanna's look in the Fitz Carlton. The design is so clean and simple with a healthy dose of greenery. The best part of Lackawanna is the hidden patio in the back with picnic tables, table tennis, and string lights. It's easy to miss it as it's nestled in the garden unit of a building, but it's definitely worth a stop for the cold brew and overall great vibes.

For happy hour & small bites

Dullboy is the best kept secret of the Grove Street area. It's a pretty small bar (and also a restaurant apparently! They recently rebranded and are using the hashtag #notjustabar)! They don't have a big sign out front and they always have the curtains in their bay windows drawn, so unless you are in the know, you would walk right on by. Inside, it's dimly lit and decorated so nicely! Go for Tiki Thursdays!

White Star

If you like your happy hour with a side of cheeseburger (same), then White Star is the place for you. Close to the waterfront and nestled in Paulus Hook, it's away from the hustle and bustle. It's super cozy and great for date night.

For dinner & drinks

Mathew's is a new restaurant/bar just a stone's throw away from the Fitz Carlton and we couldn't be more thrilled. It has the same owners as White Star. The decor and vibes are pretty different, but they both have a way of making you feel welcome as soon as you walk through the door. Easily the most grammable restaurant/bar in Jersey City, the food & drink definitely live up to the perfect decor. We're obsessed with the wallpaper, pretty cocktails, the colorful bar, and massive windows. If you go, you have to order the 80s glam - it's their signature cocktail!

Satis Bistro

Satis is hands down our favorite spot for dinner in JC. A true Jersey City gem, it's nestled between brownstones in a (primarily) residential section of Jersey City called Paulus Hook. The French/Mediterranean food consistently blows us away and the service is amazing. It's equally as great for brunch!

Razza is the place we bring all of our family and friends who come visit JC. They use only the best, local, and seasonal ingredients, which means their menu is constantly changing. They do a have a bunch of staples on the menu, including bread and butter written up by The New York Times. You know the bread & butter is really good when they make you pay for it. They don't take reservations, so order a negroni at the bar first, or head to Park and Sixth next door while you wait.

Sweets & Treats

Torico has been serving up all the classics since 1968. It sits on one of the most charming and idyllic corners in Jersey City. There is pretty much always a line out the door but it is always worth the wait. We pass Torico on the way home from work and (somehow???) find ourselves in here at least once a week. It's only two blocks from our apartment and is our go-to for birthday cakes.

Milk Sugar Love is located right on Hamilton Park in JC. It has the most "out there" flavors that you would never expect but are so good - think Honey Lavender & Lemon Olive Oil (two of our favorites). They also have giant ice cream sandwiches that are as pretty as they are delicious. Grab some ice cream and take a walk in the beautiful, brownstone-lined Hamilton Park!